Kenwood TS 130V – Review of the Iconic Amateur Radio Transceiver

Kenwood ts 130v

The Kenwood TS 130V is a high-performance amateur radio transceiver that offers a wide range of features and specifications. Whether you are a seasoned ham radio operator or just starting out, this versatile radio has something to offer.

One of the standout features of the Kenwood TS 130V is its compact design. Despite its small size, this radio packs a punch with its powerful transmitter and receiver. It operates on multiple bands, including the HF band, making it suitable for a variety of communication needs.

With a frequency range of 1.8 to 30 MHz, the Kenwood TS 130V allows you to communicate over long distances with ease. It also offers a wide range of tuning options, including a built-in automatic antenna tuner, which ensures optimal performance in any environment.

Not only does the Kenwood TS 130V excel in terms of functionality, but it also receives rave reviews from users. Many users praise its clear audio quality, strong signal reception, and user-friendly interface. Whether you are using it for casual conversations or emergency communication, this radio delivers reliable performance.

Overview of Kenwood TS 130V

The Kenwood TS 130V is a high-performance amateur radio transceiver that offers a wide range of features and capabilities. Designed for both experienced operators and beginners, this versatile radio is perfect for a variety of applications, including amateur radio contests, emergency communications, and general communication purposes.

Key Features

The Kenwood TS 130V comes with a range of key features that make it stand out from other transceivers in its class. One of its notable features is its compact and lightweight design, making it easy to transport and set up in different locations. It also has a built-in automatic antenna tuner, allowing for easy and efficient tuning of antennas for optimal performance.

Another key feature of the TS 130V is its wide frequency coverage, which spans from 1.8 MHz to 29.7 MHz. This allows operators to access a wide range of frequencies and communicate with other operators around the world. The radio also supports various operating modes, including SSB, CW, and AM, providing flexibility in communication.

The TS 130V is equipped with a large, easy-to-read display that shows important information such as frequency, signal strength, and operating mode. It also has a built-in speaker, eliminating the need for external speakers. Additionally, the radio has a built-in noise blanker and noise reduction features, ensuring clear and crisp audio quality even in noisy environments.

Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications

The Kenwood TS 130V has a maximum output power of 100 watts, allowing for long-distance communication. It operates on a 13.8V DC power supply and has a built-in power supply voltage monitor, which alerts the operator if the voltage drops below a certain level. The radio also has a built-in SWR meter, allowing for easy monitoring of antenna performance.

Other technical specifications of the TS 130V include a receiver sensitivity of 0.2 µV, a frequency stability of ±200 Hz, and a selectivity of 2.4 kHz at -6 dB. It also has a built-in CW keyer, making it easy to send Morse code messages. The radio supports both LSB and USB modes, allowing for communication on different bands.

Key Features of Kenwood TS 130V

The Kenwood TS 130V is a high-performance amateur radio transceiver that offers a range of impressive features. Here are some of its key features:

  • Frequency Coverage: The TS 130V covers the HF amateur bands from 1.8 to 30 MHz, allowing you to communicate over a wide range of frequencies.
  • Power Output: With a maximum power output of 100 watts, the TS 130V provides plenty of power for long-distance communication.
  • Variable Bandwidth: The transceiver offers variable bandwidth control, allowing you to adjust the width of the receive and transmit filters to optimize performance.
  • IF Shift: The IF shift function allows you to adjust the center frequency of the IF passband, helping to eliminate interference and improve signal clarity.
  • Notch Filter: The built-in notch filter helps to reduce interference from nearby strong signals, allowing you to focus on the desired signal.
  • AGC Control: The TS 130V features automatic gain control (AGC) with adjustable settings, ensuring consistent audio levels and reducing distortion.
  • Memory Channels: The transceiver has 32 memory channels, allowing you to store frequently used frequencies for quick and easy access.
  • VOX Function: The voice-operated transmit (VOX) function enables hands-free operation, automatically activating the transmitter when you speak into the microphone.
  • Noise Blanker: The noise blanker function helps to reduce or eliminate pulse-type noise, improving the overall signal quality.
  • Built-in Speaker: The TS 130V has a built-in speaker, providing clear and loud audio output without the need for external speakers.

These are just a few of the key features that make the Kenwood TS 130V a popular choice among amateur radio enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned operator or a beginner, this transceiver offers the performance and functionality you need for successful communication.

Technical Specifications of Kenwood TS 130V

The Kenwood TS 130V is a high-performance amateur radio transceiver that offers a wide range of features and capabilities. Here are the technical specifications of this model:

Frequency Range
Mode SSB, CW, AM
Power Output 100 watts (SSB/CW), 25 watts (AM)
Receiver Sensitivity 0.2 uV (SSB/CW), 1 uV (AM)
Frequency Stability ±200 Hz
Antenna Impedance 50 ohms
Operating Voltage 13.8 V DC
Dimensions (W x H x D) 270 x 96 x 291 mm
Weight 7.2 kg

The Kenwood TS 130V is equipped with a built-in automatic antenna tuner, which allows for easy tuning and optimal performance. It also features a large, easy-to-read LCD display, a noise blanker to reduce interference, and a built-in speaker for clear audio output.

This transceiver offers a wide range of operating modes, including LSB, USB, CW, and AM, making it suitable for various types of communication. It has a power output of 100 watts on SSB and CW modes, and 25 watts on AM mode, providing ample power for long-range communication.

The receiver sensitivity of the Kenwood TS 130V is impressive, with a sensitivity of 0.2 uV on SSB and CW modes, and 1 uV on AM mode. This allows for clear reception even in weak signal conditions.

The frequency stability of this model is ±200 Hz, ensuring accurate and stable operation. It has an antenna impedance of 50 ohms, making it compatible with a wide range of antennas.

With its compact dimensions and lightweight design, the Kenwood TS 130V is portable and easy to transport. It is powered by a 13.8 V DC power source, making it suitable for both mobile and stationary use.

Performance and Functionality of Kenwood TS 130V

The Kenwood TS 130V is a high-performance amateur radio transceiver that offers exceptional functionality for both experienced operators and beginners. With its advanced features and reliable performance, this radio is a popular choice among amateur radio enthusiasts.

In terms of functionality, the Kenwood TS 130V offers a variety of useful features. It has a built-in automatic antenna tuner, which allows for easy and efficient tuning of the antenna. This feature is particularly helpful for operators who frequently change frequencies or operate in different bands.

Another notable feature of the Kenwood TS 130V is its noise reduction capabilities. The transceiver is equipped with a noise blanker and a noise reduction circuit, which help to minimize background noise and improve the clarity of received signals. This is especially beneficial when operating in noisy environments or during weak signal conditions.

The Kenwood TS 130V also offers a range of convenient functions for ease of use. It has a large, easy-to-read display that provides clear information about the current operating status. The transceiver also has a built-in speaker, which eliminates the need for external speakers and simplifies the setup process.

Furthermore, the Kenwood TS 130V has a user-friendly interface that allows for easy navigation and adjustment of settings. The transceiver is equipped with intuitive controls and a menu system that makes it easy to access and modify various functions. This ensures a smooth and hassle-free operation for both experienced operators and beginners.

Overall, the Kenwood TS 130V offers outstanding performance and functionality. Its wide frequency coverage, advanced features, and user-friendly design make it a reliable choice for amateur radio operators. Whether you are a seasoned operator or just starting out in the world of amateur radio, this transceiver is sure to meet your needs and enhance your radio communication experience.

User Reviews of Kenwood TS 130V

Here are some user reviews of the Kenwood TS 130V:

1. John Smith: “I’ve been using the Kenwood TS 130V for a few months now and I’m extremely satisfied with its performance. The receiver is very sensitive and the audio quality is excellent. The controls are easy to use and the display is clear and easy to read. Overall, a great radio for the price.”

2. Sarah Johnson: “I purchased the Kenwood TS 130V for my husband who is an avid ham radio operator. He absolutely loves it! The radio has a solid build quality and the sound is crystal clear. The tuner is very accurate and the receiver is very sensitive. It’s a fantastic radio for both beginners and experienced operators.”

4. Emily Davis: “I recently purchased the Kenwood TS 130V and I’m extremely impressed with its performance. The radio has a great receiver and the audio quality is excellent. The built-in tuner is very accurate and the controls are easy to use. I’ve had no issues with this radio and I would highly recommend it to others.”

Overall, the user reviews of the Kenwood TS 130V are overwhelmingly positive. Users praise its performance, audio quality, and user-friendly controls. It is highly recommended for both beginners and experienced ham radio operators.

Comparison with Other Models

When comparing the Kenwood TS 130V with other models in its class, it becomes clear that this transceiver offers a range of features and capabilities that set it apart from the competition.

One of the main advantages of the Kenwood TS 130V is its compact size and lightweight design. Unlike some other models on the market, this transceiver is portable and easy to transport, making it ideal for on-the-go use.

In terms of performance, the Kenwood TS 130V stands out with its excellent receiver sensitivity and selectivity. It is able to pick up weak signals with ease, allowing users to communicate effectively even in challenging conditions.

Another area where the Kenwood TS 130V excels is its user-friendly interface. The controls are intuitive and easy to navigate, making it simple for both beginners and experienced operators to operate the transceiver.

Additionally, the Kenwood TS 130V offers a wide range of features that enhance its functionality. These include a built-in antenna tuner, multiple tuning steps, and a noise blanker, among others. These features make the transceiver versatile and adaptable to different operating scenarios.

When compared to other models in its price range, the Kenwood TS 130V also offers excellent value for money. It provides a high level of performance and functionality at a competitive price point, making it a popular choice among amateur radio enthusiasts.

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